Buying Safer Toys

Buying Safer Toys

Toys, meant to entertain our children, can sometimes be harmful. This is especially true for babies and children. They are more vulnerable to chemical exposure because of their small size and because they are developing rapidly.

Basic toy standards – United States

Chemical safety standards in the United States limit the amount of eight metals that may be in toys including lead, mercury, cadmium and phthalates (plastic softeners). If toys are found to exceed these standards, they may be recalled (external link). Some types of toys are particularly suspect. Avoid cheap metal jewelry, as it can contain lead and cadmium.

Buy safer toys - Look for these symbols

These international symbols on toys indicate a higher chemical safety standard than U.S. standards.

Some companies that sell safer toys

Rich Frog carries organic soft toys and baby items made in the USA. Their manufacturing practices meet U.S. and European safety standards.
HABA makes wooden toys, board games, jewelry and more.  This company meets U.S. and European toy safety standards. 
Plan Toys make wooden toys and games for babies through early elementary. Their manufacturing standards meet U.S. and European toy safety standards. 
Apple Park is a U.S. maker of good to be green soft toys.
Under the Nile is a U.S. maker of organic soft toys and other baby items. Their manufacturing practices meet U.S. and European safety standards.
Green Toys manufactures toys in the US without phthalates or BPA. Their manufacturing practices meet U.S. and European safety standards.